Modeling the development of panic disorder with interoceptive conditioning

摘要: Panic disorder is characterized by the paroxysmal occurrence and fear of bodily symptoms. In recent years it has been proposed that patients "learn" to cardiorespiratory sensations through interoceptive conditioning. This study sought model initial stage this process in healthy volunteers (N=44) using mild cardiac sensations. An additional aim was explore whether anxiety sensitivity - a known risk factor for panic modulates such learning. Infusions pentagastrin saline were used manipulate presence versus absence sensations, respectively, served as conditioned stimuli differential conditioning paradigm. Inhalation 35% CO2-enriched air panicogenic, unconditioned stimulus (UCS). half participants ("prepared" condition), caused followed inhalation (penta CS+), whereas (saline) room (saline CS-). The reversed combination ("unprepared" condition) other participants. Conditioning effects showed up self-reported UCS-expectancy, but not skin conductance ratings. Only from prepared group learned expect UCS, learning impaired with higher scores on sensitivity. Expectancy more easily established towards compared reverse effect observed safety Modeling discriminatory moderating provides new insight development disorder.